Pennsylvania Outfitter Pleads Guilty To Violating the Lacey Act in Kansas

WICHITA, KAN. – A Pennsylvania man who owns a company called Horseshoe Hill Outfitters pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Kansas to violating the Lacey Act, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Robert P. McConnell, 48, Slippery Rock, Penn., pleaded guilty to four counts of importing deer into Kansas in violation of the Lacey Act, which regulates the trade in wildlife, fish and plants that has been illegally taken, possessed, transported or sold. Horseshoe Hill Outfitters advertises what it calls “trophy North American big game hunting adventures” in Kansas, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Ontario.

In two counts, McConnell admitted importing deer that were not from an accredited heard, were not officially identified and did not have a certificate of veterinary inspection. In two other counts, he admitted importing domesticated deer.

Sentencing is set for May 21. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of five years on probation during which McConnell is prohibited from doing business in Kansas, and a fine of not less than $10,000.

McAllister commended the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough for their work on the case.